I've been taking HRT for about 7 years now after starting the menopause when I was 40 years old. I've recently found a large fibroid which my consultant says they won't operate on as it's in the muscle wall. My doctor's only suggestion is to come off HRT or have a Merina coil fitted. I really don't feel comfortable with either option. Would a natural oestrogen feed a fibroid? Have you any suggestions?

You could gradually ease off the HRT - I'd suggest taking at least 6 months to do this, to avoid the symptoms that occur if you come off cold turkey.

In the meantime, you could start building up with phyto-oestrogens, e.g. fermented soya isoflavones. These are not anywhere near as strong as HRT, so aren't associated with the side effects, but do help to ward off the worst of the low oestrogen symptoms you get as you enter the menopause.

It's not a bad time for you to do this, as you don't want to be on HRT for much longer anyway or you'll end up coming off when you're much older and less able to cope with the changes.

Eileen Durward